Backpack including a resilient cord assembly with a cord connector, and a resilient cord assembly and cord connector therefor

ABSTRACT

There is provided a bag including a plurality of line positioning members coupled to a peripheral portion of the bag. The bag includes a line extending through the line positioning members. The line has a first position in which the line extends about the peripheral portion of the bag. The line includes a connector slidably coupled to the line. The connector includes a sleeve, a catch facing the sleeve and an elongate member extending between and coupling together the sleeve and the catch. The line is moveable from the first position thereof to a second position in which a pair of looped portions thereof extend towards the front of the bag and are selectively coupled together via the connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

There is provided a bag. In particular, there is provided a bag in the form of a backpack with a resilient cord assembly with a cord connector, as well as a resilient cord assembly and cord connector therefor.

Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 8,893,940 to Green et al. discloses a bag or pack, such as a backpack. The backpack has a pack portion that includes a back side made of flexible material. The backpack includes a carrying system directly or indirectly connected to the pack portion. The backpack includes at least one carrying element. The backpack includes a frame connected to the pack portion. The frame includes at least a rigid or semi-rigid sheet frame which is affixed to the back side of the pack portion by adhesive bonding.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

There is provided, and it is an object to provide, an improved bag in the form of a backpack with a resilient cord assembly and cord connector, as well as a resilient cord assembly and cord connector therefor.

There is accordingly provided a line connector according to a first aspect. The line connector includes a first channel shaped to receive therethrough a first portion of line. The line connector includes a second channel shaped to selectively receive a second portion of line therethrough. The line connector include san elongate member extending between and coupling together the channels. The elongate member includes a gripping end portion extending outwards from the second channel.

There is also provided a line connector according to a second aspect. The line connector includes a sleeve. The line connector includes a catch facing the sleeve. The line connector includes an elongate member extending between and coupling together the sleeve and the catch.

There is further provided, in combination, first and second portions of line and a line connector as described herein. A first portion of line extends through the first channel or sleeve of the line connector. A second portion of line extends through the second channel or catch of the line connector. The second channel or catch is shaped such that pivoting the elongate member from a first plane towards a second plane causes the second portion of line to selectively dislodge from the second channel or catch.

There is additionally provided a bag according a fourth aspect. The bag includes a plurality of line positioning members coupled to peripheral portions of the bag. The bag includes a resilient line extending through the plurality of line positioning members and coupling to the bag thereby.

There is yet further provided a bag according to a fifth aspect. The bag includes a plurality of line positioning members coupled to a peripheral portion of the bag. The bag includes a line extending through the line positioning members. The line has a first position in which the line extends about the peripheral portion of the bag. The line includes a connector slidably coupled to the line. The connector includes a catch. The line is moveable from the first position thereof to a second position in which a pair of looped portions thereof extend towards the front of the bag and are selectively coupled together via the connector.

It is emphasized that the invention relates to all combinations of the above features, even if these are recited in different claims.

Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a left side, rear perspective view of a backpack according to a first aspect, with the backpack shown in the closed position and with gear coupled to the exterior thereof;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view thereof, with no gear shown coupled to the exterior of the backpack;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a left side, rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged left side perspective view of a lower, left side resilient cord loop of a resilient cord assembly of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged right side perspective view of a lower, right side resilient cord loop of the resilient cord assembly of the backpack of FIG. 5 , with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the backpack including a left side backpack strap thereof, with the right side backpack strap and the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 9 is an inner side, distal, bottom perspective view of a resilient cord connector of the resilient cord assembly of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 10 is an outer side, distal, bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 12 is an outer side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a proximal end elevation view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with gear shown coupled to the front exterior thereof via the resilient connector assembly;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1 and the resilient cord connector of FIG. 9 shown in a first position coupling together a pair of portions of resilient cord along the front of the backpack, with the resilient cord connector extending within a first plane and a user gripping the resilient cord connector, and with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view thereof, with the user shown in the process of decoupling the portions of the resilient cord from the resilient cord connector by angling the resilient cord connector away from the first position of FIG. 15 , and with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view thereof, with the resilient cord connector shown in a second position in which the resilient cord connector is decoupled and spaced-apart from one of the portions of the resilient cord, and with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 18 is a right side elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with the resilient cord connector coupling the portions of the resilient cord together, and with gear in the form of skis shown coupled to the right side of the backpack via the resilient cord assembly;

FIG. 19 is a right, front perspective view thereof, with a helmet shown coupled to the front of the backpack via the resilient cord assembly;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view thereof, with an ice hammer tool coupled to the front of the backpack via the resilient cord assembly;

FIG. 21 is a right side elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with the backpack including a flexible upper suspension member coupled to a carabineer and via which the backpack is suspended, with the resilient cord shown in a deployed position in which the resilient cord connector couples together the portions of the resilient cord;

FIG. 22 is a right side elevation view thereof similar to FIG. 21 , with the resilient cord connector shown decoupled from one of the portions of the resilient cord;

FIG. 23 is a right side elevation view thereof similar to FIG. 22 with the resilient cord shown in a stored position in which the resilient cord extends about the rear panel of the backpack, with end portions of the resilient cord extending along the bottom of the backpack and being tied together, and in which the backpack is no longer suspended;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 25 is a bottom, front perspective view thereof, with a bottom handle of the backpack being shown with a hand extending therethrough;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with the backpack being shown suspended via the upper suspension member, and with gear in the form of an ice hammer tool shown coupling to and extending downwards from a hook, in this example a t-bar locking mechanism coupled to the bottom handle of the backpack;

FIG. 27 is a left side elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 shown suspended, with the bottom handle thereof shown coupling to the upper suspension member of a second backpack via a carabineer;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1 , with the resilient cord assembly shown in the deployed position;

FIG. 29 is a top rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 30 is a left side elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 1 shown in an open position, with the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 31 is a front top perspective view thereof, with a pull tab of a backpack closing and opening assembly being shown, with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 32 is a left side, rear, top perspective view thereof, with a person gripping the opening and upper peripheral portion of the backpack, with the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 33 is a left side, rear, top perspective view thereof, with the top of the backpack shown in the process of being closed via hands of the person, and with the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 34 is a front, top, left side perspective view thereof, with the backpack shown in the closed position, with a first hand of the person shown extending along the top of the backpack, and with the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 35 is a top, rear, left side perspective view thereof, with the backpack shown in the closed position, and with the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 36A is an inside elevation view of the upper peripheral portion of the backpack of FIG. 30 , with the backpack being shown in the open position and with the rest of the backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 36B is a front plan view of an example of the shape of a blank or pattern for manufacturing in part the backpack of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 37 is an inside elevation view of the upper peripheral portion of the backpack of FIG. 36A, with the backpack being shown in the open position, and with an inner flap of the backpack being shown partially open by the first hand of the person to reveal a cord lock of the backpack closing and opening assembly and webbing coupling the cord lock to the backpack, and with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 38 is an inside elevation view of the upper peripheral portion of the backpack of FIG. 37 , with the backpack being shown in the open position, with the inner flap of the backpack being shown partially open via the first hand of the person, and webbing elevated to reveal the cord lock coupled thereto, with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 39 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 34 , with the backpack being shown in the closed position, with the person gripping the pull tab of the backpack closing and opening assembly with the first hand thereof and actuating the cord lock with the second hand thereof, and with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 40 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 39 , with the person continuing to actuate the cord lock with the second hand thereof and incrementally opening the backpack by gripping and extending outwards the pull tab via the first hand thereof, with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 41 is a rear, top, left side perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 39 , with the person continuing to actuate the cord lock with the second hand thereof and incrementally opening the backpack by gripping and further extending outwards the pull tab via the first hand thereof, with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 42 is a rear elevation view of the backpack of FIG. 30 shown in the open position, together with the person gripping the upper peripheral portions of the backpack, with the rest of the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 43 is an inside, rear perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 30 , with the backpack being shown in the open position and in fragment;

FIG. 44 is an inside, rear perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 43 , with the first hand of the person being shown in the process of unzipping an interior section of the backpack, with the backpack being shown in the open position and in fragment;

FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 44 , with an inner enclosure of the backpack being exposed after unzipping the interior section of FIG. 44 , with the inner enclosure being in the process of being removed from an outer shell of the backpack via the first hand of the person, with the person and backpack being shown in fragment;

FIG. 46A is a bottom, front perspective view of the inner enclosure of the backpack of FIG. 45 , together with the person gripping the same, with the person being shown in fragment and the rest of the backpack not being shown;

FIG. 46B is a bottom perspective view of the outer shell of the backpack of FIG. 45 ;

FIG. 47 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the inner enclosure of the backpack of FIG. 46A, together with the person gripping the same, with the person being shown in fragment and the rest of the backpack not being shown;

FIG. 48 is a rear elevation view thereof, with the person being shown gripping the inner enclosure of the backpack and being shown in fragment, and with the rest of the backpack not being shown;

FIG. 49 is a right side elevation view thereof, with the person being shown gripping the inner enclosure of the backpack and being shown in fragment, and with the rest of the backpack not being shown;

FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view of a backpack according to a second aspect, with the backpack being shown in the closed position;

FIG. 51 is a bottom, left side perspective view thereof, with the first hand of the person gripping the bottom handle of the backpack to empty the contents thereof, with the rest of the person being shown in fragment;

FIG. 52 is a top perspective view thereof, with the backpack being shown in the open position to reveal the inner enclosure thereof, with the first hand of the person gripping the opening and upper peripheral portion of the backpack, and with the rest of the person not being shown;

FIG. 53 is a top perspective view thereof, with the inner enclosure of the backpack of FIG. 50 being removed and not shown, so as to reveal the interior of the outer shell of the backpack;

FIG. 54A is a front elevation view of the inner enclosure of the backpack of FIG. 52 , with the rest of the backpack not being shown; and

FIG. 54B is a front elevation view of the outer shell of the backpack of FIG. 52 , with the inner enclosure of the backpack not being shown.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1 , there is shown a bag, in this example a backpack 60. The backpack may be referred to as a pack. Backpack 60 has a front 62, a rear 64 spaced-apart from the front thereof, a top 66 that may be selectively opened or closed, and a closed bottom 68 spaced-apart from the top thereof. The front and the rear of the backpack extend from the top of the backpack to the bottom of the backpack. As seen in FIG. 2 , top 66 and bottom 68 of backpack 60 are outwardly convex in this example. Referring to FIG. 28 , the top and bottom of the backpack are curved at least in part and in this example oval-shaped in top and bottom profile, as seen by way of example by the top of the backpack in FIG. 28 . Referring back to FIG. 2 , backpack 60 has a longitudinal axis 74 that extends from the bottom thereof through to the top thereof.

As seen in FIG. 3 , backpack 60 has an apex 67 aligned with uppermost region 69 of top 66 thereof. Referring back to FIG. 28 , front 62 of backpack 60 is outwardly convex in this example.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the backpack has a first or right side 70 and a second or left side 72 spaced-apart from the right side thereof. The sides of backpack 60 are elongate and generally straight in front/rear profile in this example. Sides 70 and 72 of the backpack couple to and extend between front 62 and rear 64 of the backpack seen in FIG. 1 . The sides of backpack 60 extend from bottom 68 of the backpack to top 66 of the backpack. As seen in FIG. 28 , the sides of the backpack are outwardly convex in top/bottom profile in this example.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the backpack includes a first or closed end portion 71 aligned with bottom 68 thereof. As seen in FIG. 30 , backpack 60 includes a second or open end portion 73 spaced-apart from the closed end portion thereof. The open end portion of the backpack extends from top 66 thereof towards bottom 68 thereof seen in FIG. 2 .

Referring back to FIG. 30 , backpack 60 includes an upper peripheral portion 84 that extends about open end portion 73 along top 66 thereof. As seen in FIG. 32 , the backpack has an opening 75 about which open end portion 73 thereof extends. The opening of the backpack is oval shaped in this example and has a longitudinal axis 77. The longitudinal axis of opening 75 of backpack 60 is angled relative to longitudinal axis 74 of the backpack by an angle α. Angle α is acute in this example, in this case being equal to about 45 degrees; however, this is not strictly required and angle α may comprise other acute angles in other embodiments. Opening 75 of backpack 60 is asymmetrical, resulting in the opening having an enlarged diameter D extending along major axis 79. The backpack with the opening so shaped/positioned, may facilitate packing of content therethrough and therein.

Referring to FIG. 2 , backpack 60 includes a hollow and in this example sleeve-shaped body 76. The body has a closed bottom 78 that corresponds with bottom 68 of the backpack. Body 76 has a top 80 that is closed in FIG. 2 , with the backpack thus being in a closed position in FIG. 2 . The top of the body of backpack 60 may be selectively opened as seen in FIG. 32 , with the backpack thus being in an open position. Referring back to FIG. 2 , top 80 of body 76 of the backpack is spaced-apart from closed bottom 78 thereof. The top of the body of the backpack corresponds with top 66 of backpack 60. Body 76 of backpack 60 has a longitudinal axis 81 that extends through bottom 78 and top 80 thereof. The longitudinal axis of the body corresponds to the longitudinal axis of backpack 60 in this example.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , body 76 includes a front portion of material 82 extending along front 62 of backpack 60. As seen in FIG. 32 , the front portion of material is outwardly convex in top profile along upper peripheral portion 84 of the backpack in this example. Referring to FIG. 7 , body 76 includes a rear portion of material 86 spaced-apart from and coupled to the front portion of material. The rear portion of material extends along rear 64 of backpack 60 and is generally planar in this example so to as to extend along and conform one's back. As seen in FIG. 32 , the rear portion of material 86 of body 76 is outwardly concave in top profile along upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60 in this example. The front portion of material 82 of the body is longer than the rear portion of material of the body. Front 62 of backpack 60 is thus longer than rear 64 of the backpack when the backpack is in the open position.

The rear portion of material 86 of body 76 forms a rear panel 88 of the backpack. The rear panel extends within a plane 90 as seen in FIG. 3 in this example. Rear panel 88 is smooth at least in part. As seen in FIG. 24 , the rear panel has a peripheral portion 89 extending thereabout from top 66, along sides 70 and 72 and about and along bottom 68 of backpack 60. The peripheral portion of rear panel 88 is obround in outer shape in this example; however, this is not strictly required.

Referring to FIG. 4 , backpack 60 includes a pair of shoulder straps 92 and 94 coupled to rear panel 88 thereof. The shoulder straps have tops 96 and 98 near top 66 of the backpack and bottoms 100 and 102 spaced-apart from the tops thereof. The bottoms of shoulder straps 92 and 94 align with bottom 68 of the backpack and couple to the rear panel via length adjustable mechanisms 104 and 106. The length adjustable mechanisms may be referred to as strap adjusters, who parts and functionings may be known per se to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described in further detail.

Shoulder straps 92 and 94 are constructed out of a plurality of layers of material having different properties. The main area or body of the straps does not include foam or sewing like traditional shoulder straps in this example. Rather and referring to FIG. 8 , each shoulder strap 92 includes a first or inner layer of material 93 made of real or artificial leather, in this example suede 95, in this case synthetic suede, such as Ultrasuede™; however, this is not strictly required. The inner layer of material is configured to promote comfort to person 221 wearing backpack 60.

Each shoulder strap 92 includes a second layer of material or first layer of fabric 97 coupled to and coextensive with the first layer of material 93. In this example the first layer of fabric is a polymer, in this case nylon 99, such as 1680D high tenacity nylon that is laminated to the inner layer of material 93; however, this is not strictly required. The first layer of fabric 97 is configured to provide structural integrity to shoulder straps 92.

Each shoulder strap includes a third layer of material or second layer of fabric 101 comprising a polymer, in this example nylon fabric, in this case Denier™ nylon fabric 203, such as 210×235 Denier™ fabric, coupled to the first layer of fabric 97; here too this type of fabric is not strictly required and other types of fabrics may be used in other embodiments. The second layer of fabric in this example is laminated to the first layer of fabric overlapping the transition between suede 95 and the first layer of fabric in order to smoothen the transition. The second layer of fabric 101 functions to provide abrasion resistance to shoulder straps 92. The second layer of fabric is smaller in span compared to the first layer of fabric 97 in this example. Nylon 99 is encapsulated between suede 95 and fabric 203 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 7 , each shoulder strap 92 has a pair of spaced-apart sides 103 and 105 that extend from top 96 to bottom 100 thereof. The sides of shoulder strap 92 are each an elongate S in profile in this example and the sides of shoulder strap 94 are mirrors images thereof, being inverse elongates S in profile in this example. The shoulder straps include first or inner upper peripheral portions 107 and 109 that face each other. The inner upper peripheral portions of the shoulder straps are outwardly concave in shape and extend from tops 96 and 98 towards bottoms 100 and 102 of the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps include second or outer upper peripheral portions 107′ and 109′ which are outwardly convex in shape and which extend from tops 96 and 98 towards bottoms 100 and 102 thereof in this example.

Each of shoulder straps 92 and 94 includes first or inner lower peripheral portions 113 and 115 that face each other. The inner lower peripheral portions of the shoulder straps are outwardly convex and extend from bottoms 100 and 102 of the shoulder straps towards tops 96 and 98 of the shoulder straps. Each of the shoulder straps includes second or outer lower peripheral portions 113′ and 115′ that are outwardly concave and that extend from the bottoms towards the tops thereof.

Referring to FIG. 19 , body 76 includes a first side portion of material 108 extending between the front portion of material 82 thereof and the rear portion of material 86 thereof. The first side portion of material extends along right side 70 of backpack 60.

As seen in FIG. 30 , body 76 includes a second side portion of material 110 extending between the front portion of material 82 thereof and the rear portion of material 86 thereof. The second side of material extends along left side 72 of backpack 60. The side portions of material 110 are triangular in side profile at open end portion 73 of the backpack in this example, in this case being substantially in the shape of right-angled triangle in side profile. The side portions of material are outwardly convex in side profile along upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60 in this example. Open end portion 73 of the backpack is thus in the form of an asymmetrical cuff 111 in this example.

Sides 72 of backpack 60 taper in a direction 112 extending from rear 64 towards front 62 of backpack 60 when the backpack is in the open position. The sides of the backpack also taper in a direction 114 extending from bottom 68 towards top 66 of the backpack when the backpack is in the open position. As seen in FIG. 36A, backpack 60 has an interior 117 and an interior surface 119 in fluid communication with the interior thereof. The interior of the backpack is in fluid communication with opening 75 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 36B, backpack 60 as herein described may thus be made from a blank 121 comprising one or more flexible members made of fabric 123. The blank may in addition or alternatively be a pattern. Blank 121 may be formed by a first portion 125 that is rectangular and a second portion 127. The second portion may be semi-elliptical in profile in this example. Second portion 127 of blank 121 has a first end 129 coupled to and integrally formed with first portion 125 of the blank in this example. The second portion of the blank has a second end 131 spaced-apart from the first end thereof. Second portion 127 of blank 121 has a peripheral edge 133 that is outwardly convex. The second portion of the blank tapers in a direction 135 extending from first end 129 thereof towards second end 131 thereof. Sides 137 and 139 of first portion 125 of the blank may be coupled together to form a sleeve shape of body 76 of backpack 60. However, this is not strictly required and the backpack may be formed in other manners in other examples.

Referring to FIG. 28 , backpack 60 includes a bag closing and opening assembly, in this example a backpack closing and opening assembly 116. The backpack closing and opening assembly may be referred to as an internal cord lock system. Backpack closing and opening assembly 116 includes a line, in this example a cord 118. Referring to FIG. 32 , the cord includes a loop-portion 120 extending within upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60. As seen in FIG. 31 , cord 118 includes an outer end portion 122 extending outwards from the backpack. The cord thus extends within upper peripheral portion 84 of the backpack so as to form an open loop with the outer end portion extending outwards therefrom. Still referring to FIG. 31 , backpack 60 includes a grommet 124 coupled to open end portion 73 of the backpack and through which end portion 122 of cord 118 extends.

Referring to FIG. 38 , backpack closing and opening assembly 116 includes a lock mechanism, in this example a cord lock 126. End portion 122 of cord 118 seen in FIG. 39 , extends through the cord lock. Cord lock 126 is spring biased to inhibit the cord from sliding therethrough. Actuating or squeezing cord lock 126 to over-power the spring bias enables cord 118 to readily/selectively pass therethrough. Cord locks, including their various parts and functionings, are known per se and cord lock 126 will thus not be described in further detail.

The cord lock is positioned within upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60 and along the front portion of material 82 of body 76 of the backpack. As seen in FIG. 37 , cord lock 126 in this example is positioned within interior surface 119 of the backpack adjacent upper peripheral portion 84 of the backpack, which may be referred to as an inside surface of cuff 111 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 38 , cord lock 126 couples to the backpack via a flexible material, in this example webbing 141. The webbing extends through an aperture 143 of and couples to the cord lock in this example. As seen in FIG. 37 , webbing 141 includes a pair of spaced-apart end portions 145 and 147 coupled to interior surface 119 of backpack 60 via stitching 171 and 173 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 36A, the backpack includes an enclosure member, in this example a cord lock inner flap 128, which may be part of backpack closing and opening assembly 116. The flap is triangular in profile in this example with a pair of sides or peripheral edge portions 130 and 132 coupled to interior surface 119 of the backpack, in this example via stitching 175 and 177. Flap 128 has a third side or peripheral edge portion 134 which is uncoupled and which may be selectively spaced-apart from interior surface 119 of backpack 60 as seen in FIGS. 37 and 38 .

Referring to FIG. 36A, the flap thus couples to upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60 via peripheral edge portions 130 and 132 and is positioned within interior surface 119 of the backpack adjacent front 62 of the backpack. As seen with reference to FIGS. 36 to 38 , cord lock 126 is positioned within flap 128 and is selectively accessible and exposed relative thereto by moving peripheral edge portion 134 of the flap upwards and/or towards peripheral edge portion 130 of the flap via hand 222 (this is shown by arrow 136 in FIG. 37 ). Cord lock 126 is therefore at least partially enclosed within the backpack and is thus positioned to be protected from abrasion when backpack 60 is being hauled for example.

As seen in FIG. 36A, backpack closing and opening assembly 116 includes a gripping member, in this example a flexible pull tab 138. The tab couples to and extends outwards from upper peripheral portion 84 of the backpack adjacent cord lock 126 in this example. Tab 138 is made of a piece of webbing 140 in this example having a proximal end 142 and a distal end 144 spaced-apart therefrom. The proximal end of the webbing is sewn to upper peripheral portion 84 of backpack 60 via stitching 179. Tab 138 thus couples to and extends outwards from peripheral edge portion 132 of flap 128 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 32 , loop-portion 120 of cord 118 is enlarged in the open position of backpack 60. As seen in FIG. 33 , pulling outwards in direction 146 on outer end portion 122 of cord 118 causes the span of loop-portion 120 of the cord to reduce, with cord lock 126 inhibiting enlargement of the loop-portion thereafter until the cord lock is actuated or squeezed together. Pulling on the outer end portion of the cord thus reduces the span of the open loop or loop-portion of the cord, with backpack 60 being closed thereby, and with the locking mechanism of the cord lock being configured to inhibit expansion of the size of the open loop thereafter. Optionally and referring to FIG. 33 , while a first hand (not shown) is used to pull outer end portion 122 of cord 118, second hand 148 may push down and/or rest upon top 66 of the backpack; however, this is not strictly required. Loop-portion 120 of the cord is shaped to inhibit objects from passing therethrough in the closed position of backpack 60 seen in FIG. 33 .

As seen in FIG. 28 , cord lock 126 is positioned off center and below apex 67 of the backpack in the closed position of the backpack. As seen in FIG. 35 , top 66 of backpack 60 extends above and covers at least in part loop-portion 120 of cord 118 when the backpack is in the closed position. Thus as seen in FIG. 39 , when cuff 111 is closed, remaining opening 75 of backpack 60 is axially off center. As seen in FIG. 1 , the remaining opening of the backpack is spaced below and axially off center from apex 67 of the backpack, inhibiting water 183 from entering into the remaining opening thereby.

As seen in FIG. 24 , backpack 60 includes a resilient line assembly, in this example a resilient cord assembly 150. The resilient cord assembly may be referred to as a compression cord assembly. Resilient cord assembly 150 includes a plurality of line positioning members or anchor points, in this example line loops, in this case resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159.

First and second resilient cord loops 152 and 154 are positioned adjacent to right side 70 of backpack 60. Third and fourth resilient cord loops 156 and 158 are positioned adjacent to left side 72 of the backpack. As seen in FIG. 7 , fifth resilient cord loop 159 is centrally positioned between sides 70 and 72 of backpack 60 and adjacent top 66 of the backpack. Referring back to FIG. 24 , resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159 are located at top right side corner 149, bottom right side corner 151, top left side corner 153, bottom left side corner 155, and apex 157 of rear panel 88 of backpack 60, respectively. The resilient cord loops couple to peripheral portions of the backpack, in this example peripheral portion 89 of rear panel 88. Resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159 are thus positioned adjacent rear 64 of backpack 60 and align within plane 90 seen in FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIG. 29 , first, third and fifth resilient cord loops 152, 156 and 159 may be referred to as upper resilient cord loops adjacent to top 66 of backpack 60. The first and third resilient cord loops are positioned adjacent to top 96 and 98 of shoulder straps 92 and 94 and may be referred to as a first pair of resilient cord loops. Resilient cord loop 159 is positioned between the tops of the shoulder straps in this example.

As seen in FIG. 24 , second and fourth resilient cord loops 154 and 158 may be referred to as lower resilient cord loops adjacent bottom 68 of backpack 60. The second and fourth resilient cord loops may be said to comprise a second pair of resilient cord loops positioned adjacent to the bottom of the backpack. Second and fourth resilient cord loops 154 and 158 are positioned adjacent to bottom 100 and 102 of shoulder straps 92 and 94 seen in FIG. 29 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 6 , each resilient cord loop 154 in this example comprises an elongate flexible material, in this case webbing 160. The webbing includes spaced-apart portions 162 and 164 coupled to backpack 60 in this example via stitching 185 and 187, so as to form an opening 181. Referring to FIG. 24 , resilient cord loops 154 and 158 are in this example sewn into seams 189 and 191 that couple rear panel 88 with bottom 68 and/or sides 70 and 72 of the backpack in this example. Resilient cord loops 152 and 156 are in this example sewn at least in part into seams 193 and 195 that couple the rear panel with top 66 and/or sides of backpack 60 in this example. As seen in FIG. 29 , resilient cord loop 159 is in this example part of a length-adjustable strap, in this case buckle strap assembly 161. The strap assembly couples together top 66 of the backpack and apex 157 of rear panel 88 of the backpack. Selective actuation of strap assembly 161 enables the rear panel of the backpack to incrementally move towards the top of the backpack, reducing the space therebetween thereby. The strap assembly need not necessarily couple to top 66 of backpack 60 and may couple to other parts of the backpack in other embodiments.

As seen in FIG. 6 , resilient cord assembly 150 includes a line, in this example a resilient line, in this case a resilient cord 166. The resilient cord includes a resilient inner portion 168 and a sheath 170 made of high-strength fibers, in this example ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, in this case Spectra™ fibers. In addition or alternatively, resilient cord 166 may be made out of an elastic core sheeted with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), also know as Dyneema™. However, this is not strictly required and the resilient cord may be made of other materials in other examples.

As seen in FIG. 24 , resilient cord 166 includes first and second portions of line, in this example a first portion 172 and a second portion 174 of resilient cord. The resilient cord extends through the plurality of resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159 and couples to backpack 60 thereby. The resilient cord thus extends about rear panel 88. As seen in FIG. 29 , tightening strap assembly 161 selectively stretches out resilient cord 166 in direction 197 towards top 66 of backpack 60. Selective actuation of the strap assembly thus enables tensioning of the resilient cord to be selectively adjusted thereby. Loosening strap assembly 161 lowers resilient cord 166 in the reverse direction 199 towards rear panel 88 and tops 96 and 98 of shoulder straps 92 and 94 and may function to lower the tension on the resilient cord.

As seen in FIGS. 5 to 6 , the resilient cord includes a pair of end portions 163 and 165. The end portions of resilient cord 166 are enlarged, in this example by way of knots 167 and 169. The knots are shaped to abut resilient cord loops 158 and 154. Referring to FIG. 6 , each knot 169 is configured to be larger than opening 181 formed by webbing 160, with the webbing thus inhibiting the knot from passing therethrough. End portions 163 and 165 so configured are thus inhibited from passing through and dislodging from the resilient cord loops.

Referring to FIG. 24 , resilient cord 166 has a first, planar or stored position in which the resilient cord extends about peripheral portion 89 of rear panel 88 of backpack 60. End portions 163 and 165 of the resilient cord are extendable along bottom 68 of backpack 60 in this example. The end portions of resilient cord 166 may be coupled or tied together in the stored position of the resilient cord. Resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159 position the resilient cord to extend about and enclose rear 64 of the backpack in the stored position of the resilient cord. Resilient cord 166 extends within plane 90 seen in FIG. 23 when in the stored position thereof. As seen in FIG. 24 , resilient cord 166 is outwardly convex at least in part in regions between upper and lower pairs of resilient cord loops when in the stored position thereof: the resilient cord includes an upper portion 176 that is curved between first and third resilient cord loops 152 and 156; and the resilient cord includes a lower portion 178 that is curved between second and fourth resilient cord loops 154 and 158. The resilient cord is streamline with peripheral portion 89 of rear panel 88 of backpack 60 in this example in the stored positioned thereof. Resilient cord 166 extends substantially within the same plane as the rear panel of the backpack when in the stored positioned thereof in this example.

As seen in FIG. 9 , resilient cord assembly 150 includes a line connector, in this example a resilient line connector, in this case a resilient cord connector 180. The resilient cord connector may be referred to as a cord hook or as a compression cord hook. Resilient cord connector 180 is a one-piece molded part made out of a polymer in this example. However, this is not strictly required and the connector may be made of other materials and/or formed in other ways in other embodiments.

Resilient cord connector 180 includes a first channel or sleeve 182. The sleeve is tubular and circular in top/bottom profile in this example. Sleeve 182 is shaped to receive portion 174 of resilient cord 166 therethrough as seen in FIG. 17 . Resilient cord connector 180 may thus be said to be threaded onto the resilient cord. As seen in FIG. 11 , sleeve 182 has a radius of curvature Rs. Referring to FIG. 10 , the sleeve has a longitudinal axis 184 extending therethrough and about which the sleeve extends. Referring back to FIG. 11 , sleeve 182 includes a protrusion or proximal end portion 186 having a pair of opposed first and second surfaces 188 and 190. First surface 188 of proximal end portion 186 of the sleeve is outwardly convex in this example. Second surface 190 of the proximal end portion of sleeve 182 is outwardly concave in this example. As seen in FIG. 13 , sleeve 182 and thus proximal end of resilient cord connector 180, is a bulged rectangle (or a rectangular with a pair of opposed, outwardly convex sides) in profile in this example; however, this is not strictly required.

As seen in FIG. 10 , resilient cord connector 180 includes a second channel or catch 192. The catch faces sleeve 182 in this example, though this is not strictly required. Catch 192 is C-shaped in top/bottom profile in this example. As seen in FIG. 16 , the catch is shaped to selectively receive portion 172 of resilient cord 166 therethrough. As seen in FIG. 2 , first and second portions 172 and 174 of resilient cord are loop-shaped at least in part when coupled to resilient cord connector 180. Referring to FIG. 11 , catch 192 has a radius of curvature Rc. Radius of curvature Rs of the sleeve is substantially equal to radius of curvature Rc of the catch in this example. As seen in FIG. 10 , catch 192 has a longitudinal axis 194 extending therethrough and about which the catch extends. The longitudinal axis of the catch extends parallel to longitudinal axis 184 of sleeve 182 in this example.

As seen in FIG. 11 , catch 192 includes a proximal end portion 196 having a pair of opposed first and second surfaces 198 and 200. The surfaces of the proximal end portion of the catch are each outwardly concave in this example.

As seen in FIG. 12 , resilient cord connector 180 includes an elongate member 202. As seen in FIG. 11 , the elongate member is planar and curved at least in part.

Referring to FIG. 12 , elongate member 202 has a first or proximal end 204, a second or distal end 206 spaced-apart from the first end thereof, and a longitudinal axis 208 extending through the ends thereof. As seen in FIG. 10 , longitudinal axis 208 of elongate member 202 extends perpendicular to longitudinal axes 184 and 194 of sleeve 182 and catch 192.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the elongate member has a first or inner surface 210, and a second or outer surface 212 spaced-apart from the inner surface thereof. The inner and outer surfaces of elongate member 202 extends between ends 204 and 206 of the elongate member. Inner surface 210 of elongate member 202 is outwardly concave and outer surface 212 of the elongate member is outwardly convex in this example; however, this may not be strictly required. Sleeve 182 couples to and is integrally formed with elongate member 202 via proximal end portion 186 thereof in this example. The sleeve couples to inner surface 210 of the elongate member 202 at first end 204 of the elongate member in this example. The inner surface of the elongate member is integrally connected to and formed with second surface 190 of proximal end portion 186 of sleeve 182 in this example. Inner surface 210 of elongate member 202 extends from the second surface of the proximal end portion of the sleeve to distal end 206 of the elongate member.

Outer surface 212 of elongate member 202 is integrally connected to and formed with first surface 188 of proximal end portion 186 of sleeve 182 in this example. The outer surface of elongate member 202 thus extends from the first surface of the proximal end portion of the sleeve to distal end 206 of the elongate member in this example. Elongate member 202 thus extends tangentially outwards from sleeve 182 in this example.

Still referring to FIG. 11 , catch 192 couples to and is integrally formed with the elongate member via proximal end portion 196 thereof in this example. Sleeve 182 and catch are integrally formed with and connected to the elongate member so as to form a unitary whole in this example. Catch 192 couples to inner surface 210 of elongate member 202. The catch is positioned between first end 204 and second end 206 of the elongate member in this example. Inner surface 210 of elongate member 202 is integrally connected to and formed with surfaces 198 and 200 of proximal end portion 196 of catch 192 in this example. The elongate member extends tangentially outwards from the catch in this example. Elongate member 202 thus extends between and couples together sleeve 182 and catch 192. Outer surface 212 of elongate member 202 faces outwards from sleeve 182 and catch 192.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the elongate member is an isosceles trapezoid in profile in this example. As seen in FIG. 10 , elongate member 202 tapers in a direction 213 extending from sleeve 182 and proximal end 204 of the elongate member towards catch 192 and distal end 206 of the elongate member in this example.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the elongate member includes a gripping end portion 214 extending outwards from the catch. The gripping end portion may be referred to as a prominent tab of the resilient cord connector. Gripping end portion 214 of elongate member 202 extends from distal end 206 of the elongate member towards the proximal end of the elongate member. The gripping end portion is generally a rectangular prism in shape in this example, which is longitudinally tapered in this case and which has a rounded end; however, the former not the latter two features are strictly required and the gripping end portion may have other shapes in other embodiments. As seen with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 , the elongate member is pivotable about axis 184 of sleeve 182.

Referring to FIG. 15 , resilient cord connector 180 is positioned along front 62 of backpack 60 in use. Resilient cord 166 is moveable from the stored position thereof seen in FIG. 23 to a second, extended or deployed position seen in FIG. 2 , by gripping portions 172 and 174 thereof and pulling them towards front 62 of the backpack, as seen by arrows 216 in FIG. 23 . As seen in FIG. 15 , the portions of resilient cord 166 are selectively coupled together via connector 180: portion 174 of the resilient cord extends through sleeve 182 and portion 172 of the resilient cord selectively couples to the connector via catch 192. However, this is not strictly required and portion 172 of the resilient cord may extend through the sleeve and portion 174 of the resilient cord may selectively couple with the catch in other embodiments, for example. Connector 180 extends within a first plane 218 that is generally tangential to front 62 of backpack 60 when portions 172 and 174 of resilient cord 166 are coupled together and the catch may be said to be in a latched position.

Resilient cord connector 180 is shaped to selectively pivot about sleeve 182 and portion 174 of resilient cord 166. Catch 192 is shaped such that pivoting elongate member 202 from first plane 218 in a direction 220 seen in FIG. 16 , by grapping onto gripping end portion 214 via finger or thumb 223 of hand 222 towards a second plane 224 seen in FIG. 17 , causes portion 172 of resilient cord 166 seen in FIG. 16 to selectively dislodge from the catch. The second plane is perpendicular to first plane 218 seen in FIG. 15 .

Catch 192 may thus be said to be unlatched or in unlatched position. Resilient cord connector 180 is configured to thus be manipulated from the stored position to the deployed position with one hand 222. Referring to FIG. 16 , gripping end portion 214 of elongate member 202, positioned adjacent catch 192, thus enables person 221 to readily release the catch with one finger or thumb 223. The steps shown and described with reference to

FIGS. 15 to 17 are taken in reverse to move resilient cord 166 from the deployed position seen in FIG. 2 to the stored position seen in FIG. 24 .

As seen in FIG. 2 , resilient cord connector 180 thus selectively couples together looped portions 172 and 174 of resilient cord 166 extending from opposite sides 70 and 72 of backpack 60. Resilient cord assembly 150 is configured such that the resilient cord connector is positioned against front 172 of the backpack, between the sides of the backpack, and between top 66 and bottom 68 of the backpack when the resilient cord is in the deployed position seen in FIG. 2 .

Resilient cord 166 is shaped such that in its deployed position seen in FIG. 2 , the resilient cord is extended and exerts a compression force against exterior 201 of the backpack along sides 70 and 72 and front 62 of the backpack. Thus, gear is selectively secured externally on the backpack by pulling side portions 172 and 174 of resilient cord 166 from each side 70 and 72 of rear panel 88 of the backpack seen in FIG. 24 , over the gear and coupling side portions 172 and 174 of the resilient cord together thereafter along front 62 of the backpack. This is seen in FIG. 14 by gear in the form of crampons 226 positioned between connector 180 and portions 172 and 174 of resilient cord 166 and the front 62 of the backpack 60. This is also shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 via gear in the form of a helmet 228 and an ice hammer tool 230. This is further shown in FIG. 18 via gear in the form of skis 232 which are positioned between looped portion 172 of resilient cord 166 in its deployed position and side 70 of backpack 60.

Resilient cord assembly 150 as herein described may thus be described as a carrying system comprised of an elastic or resilient cord 166 and a polymer hook or connector 180 anchored onto backpack 60. When the resilient cord assembly is in use, resilient cord 166 and connector 180 so coupled thereto thus form an “X” shape in FIG. 2 which allows one to carry gear, such as clothing, shies, helmets and the like, on the outside of the backpack. Referring to FIG. 24 , resilient cord loops 152, 154, 156, 158 and 159 so positioned may result in a carrying structure that is stable and that distributes forces evenly thereabout and thereto. The resilient cord loops are located on rear panel 88 of backpack 60 so that resilient cord 166 may be stowed away when not in use and resilient cord connector 180 seen in FIG. 17 , uncoupled therefrom.

As seen in FIG. 3 , backpack 60 includes a flexible upper suspension member 234. The suspension member is elongate and made of woven or braided material, in this example webbing 236. As seen in FIG. 20 , suspension member 234 includes a first end portion 238 and a second end portion 240 spaced-apart from the first end portion thereof. First end portion 238 of the suspension member extends along and couples to right side 70 of backpack 60. Second end portion 240 of suspension member 234 couples to and extends along left side 72 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 22 , each end portion 238 of the suspension member couples to its respective side 70 of backpack 60 via at least one, and in this example a pair of strap fasteners 244 and 246. As seen in FIG. 23 , each strap fastener 244 has a longitudinal axis 248 that is angled relative to longitudinal axis 74 of the backpack in this example, in this case being angled at an acute angle relative to longitudinal axis 74. Each strap fastener comprises a planar housing 250 with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart slots 252, 254, 256 and 258 via which a respective end portion 238 of suspension member 234 (seen in FIG. 22 ) extends inwards and outwards therefrom and interweaves. However, this is not strictly required and the suspension member may couple to sides 70 and 72 of backpack 60 in other manners in other embodiments.

As seen in FIG. 20 , suspension member 234 thus couples to opposite sides 70 and 72 of backpack 60 so to as to form loop-shaped portion 242 thereof or haul loop. The loop-shaped portion of the suspension member is positioned between end portions 238 and 240 of the suspension member.

As seen in FIG. 21 , backpack 60 is suspendable from a single point 260 via loop-shaped portion 242 of the suspension member, in this example via a carabineer 262. Suspension member 234 is configured to enable the backpack to be hauled and anchored to an anchor or rope 264 that couples to the suspension member via the carabineer. The suspension member extends outwards from top 66 and front 62 of backpack 60 when the backpack is suspended therefrom. Loop-shaped portion 242 of suspension member 234 so positioned extends along a longitudinal axis 243 that is angled relative to longitudinal axis 74 of backpack 60 by an angle β. Angle β is acute in this example.

Suspension member 234 is thus mounted to extend outwards in an off center manner so that a smooth portion 266 of rear panel 88 is biased to rub against an adjacent wall (not shown) when rock climbing, inhibiting snagging and abrading of backpack 60 thereby. The suspension member is mounted off center or axis 74 so that the backpack hangs asymmetrically. As seen in FIG. 22 , backpack 60 is configured such that a top forward portion 268 thereof aligns generally vertically with a bottom rear portion 270 (seen in FIG. 21 ) thereof when the backpack is suspended from loop-shaped portion 242 of suspension member 234. The top forward portion of backpack 60 extends along the region of the backpack adjacent to top 66 and front 62 of the backpack. Bottom rear portion 270 of the backpack extends along the region of the backpack adjacent to bottom 68 and rear 64 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 4 , loop-shaped portion 242 of suspension member 234 is shaped to fold over and around an upper rear portion 263 of backpack 60 in this example so as to be stowed when not in use. The upper rear portion of the backpack extends along the region of the backpack adjacent to top 66 and rear 64 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 25 , backpack 60 includes a handle, in this example a bottom handle 272 coupled to and extending along bottom 68 thereof. The bottom handle comprises an elongate flexible material, in this example webbing 274. Bottom handle 272 extends along and across bottom 68 of backpack 60. The bottom handle extends laterally from a first side seam 273 of the backpack to a second side seam 275 of the backpack seen in FIG. 27 in this example. Referring back to FIG. 25 , the first side seam of the backpack couples together side 70 and bottom 68 of backpack 60. As seen in FIG. 27 , second side seam 275 of the backpack couples together side 72 and bottom 68 of the backpack.

Referring back to FIG. 25 , bottom handle 272 includes a first end portion 276 and a second end portion 278 spaced-apart from the first end portion thereof. The first end portion of the bottom handle couples to side 70 and bottom 68 of backpack 60, with the first end portion in this example being sewn to first side seam 273. First end portion 276 of bottom handle 272 is sewn to the backpack at a pair of spaced-apart sub-portions 280 and 282 thereof in this example: in this case the first end portion of the bottom handle is bar tacked 284 and 286 at two spaced-apart intervals on bottom panel 287 of backpack 60. The bottom panel of the backpack extends along bottom 68 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 3 , second end portion 278 of bottom handle 272 couples to side 72 and bottom 68 of the backpack, with the second end portion in this example being sewn to second side seam 275 in this example. Each end portion of the bottom handle is thus sewn to respective seams of the backpack in this example. Second end portion 278 of bottom handle 272 is sewn to backpack 60 at a pair of spaced-apart sub-portions 288 and 290 thereof in this example: in this case the second end portion of the bottom handle is bar tacked 292 and 294 at two spaced-apart intervals on bottom panel 287 of the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 25 , bottom handle 272 has a non-extended or stored position in which the bottom handle is curved and outwardly convex facing. The bottom handle is flush with bottom panel 287 of backpack 60 in the stored position thereof. As seen in FIG. 14 , bottom handle 272 in the stored position thereof extends generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 74 of the backpack. The bottom handle in this example extends about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of backpack 60; however, this is not strictly required. As seen in FIG. 27 , bottom handle 272 has an extended or deployed position in which a central portion 296 thereof is spaced-apart from bottom 68 of the backpack. The bottom of the backpack and the central portion of the bottom handle form a bottom loop 298. As seen in FIG. 25 , central portion 296 of bottom handle 272 is positioned between end portions 276 and 278 of the bottom handle.

The bottom handle is configured to facilitate rapid removal of objects from within backpack 60 by gripping or inserting one's hand 222 within bottom loop 298 as seen in FIG. 25 , suspending backpack 60 therefrom upside down and optionally shaking the backpack. As seen in FIG. 27 , bottom handle 272 is further shaped to facilitate hanging of a second backpack 60′ therefrom while hauling two backpacks 60 and 60′: in this example carabineer 262′ couples together bottom handle 272 of backpack 60 to upper suspension member 234′ of backpack 60′. As seen in FIG. 26 , backpack 60 may include a clip or hook 300 coupled to the bottom handle and via which additional gear, in this example ice hammer tool 230, may couple to and/or extend therefrom. The hook is in the form of a locking mechanism, in this example a t-bar locking mechanism; however, this is not strictly required.

As seen in FIGS. 45 to 46B, backpack 60 includes an outer shell 302 and an inner enclosure 304 shaped to fit within interior 117 of and be selectively removable from the outer shell. The inner enclosure is accessible and selectively removable by opening panel 305 seen in FIG. 44 located within the interior of the backpack. The panel is a part of outer shell 302 and is selectively opened and closed via an interior zipper 307 in this example; however, neither the panel nor zipper is strictly required.

Inner enclosure 304 seen in FIG. 46A is molded into shape and made of foam in this example; however, this is not strictly required and the inner enclosure may be made of other materials in other examples. The inner enclosure has a front 306 that aligns with front 62 of backpack 60. The front of inner enclosure 304 is outwardly convex in this example. As seen in FIG. 47 , the inner enclosure has a rear 308 that aligns with rear 64 of the backpack. The rear of inner enclosure 304 is outwardly concave in this example. Rear 308 of inner enclosure 304 is smaller in span compared to front 306 of the inner enclosure in this example. As seen in FIG. 48 , the front and rear of the inner enclosure are generally rectangular in front/rear profile in this example.

Inner enclosure 304 has a pair of spaced-apart sides 310 and 312 that align with sides 70 and 72 of the backpack. The sides of the inner enclosure couple to and extend between front 306 and rear 308 of the inner enclosure. As seen in FIG. 49 , each of sides 312 of inner enclosure 304 is generally rectangular in side profile in this example. As seen in FIG. 48 , sides 310 and 312 of the inner enclosure are outwardly convex at least in part in this example. As seen in FIG. 46A, each side 310 of inner enclosure 304 is formed in part by front 306 of the inner enclosure curving therearound along so as to form a first or upper triangular portion 311 thereof in this example. Each side of the inner enclosure is formed in part by bottom 314 of inner enclosure 304 curving upwards thereto and therearound along so as to form a second or lower triangular portion 313 thereof in this example.

Still referring to FIG. 46A, inner enclosure 304 has a closed bottom 314 that aligns with bottom 68 of backpack 60. The closed bottom of the inner enclosure extends across and couples together front 306, rear 308 and sides 310 and 312 of the inner enclosure. Bottom 68 of inner enclosure 304 is outwardly convex at least in part in this example. As seen in FIG. 45 , the inner enclosure has an open top 316 that aligns with top 66 of backpack 60.

Inner enclosure 304 is shaped to provide the backpack with padding, protecting contents of the backpack from shocks thereby. Outer shell 302 seen in FIG. 45 extends about the inner enclosure so molded into shape. The inner enclosure is shaped to spread out and give form to the outer shell as seen in FIG. 3 . Inner enclosure 304 is configured to increase abrasion resistance of outer shell 302 by spreading potential loaded points over a wider area, reducing pressure at a given said point thereby.

FIGS. 50 to 54 show a backpack 60.1 according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as backpack 60 shown in FIGS. 1 to 49 with the addition of decimal extension “.1”. Backpack 60.1 is substantially the same as backpack 60 shown in FIGS. 1 to 49 with at least the following exceptions.

As seen in FIG. 51 , first end portion 276.1 of bottom handle 272.1 couples rear 64.1 of the backpack adjacent bottom 68.1 of the backpack. In this example the first end portion of the bottom handle couples to rear bottom seam 318 of backpack 60.1. The rear bottom seam of the backpack couples together bottom 68.1 and rear 64.1 of the backpack. Second end portion 278.1 of bottom handle 272.1 couples to front 62.1 of backpack 60.1 adjacent the bottom of the backpack. In this example the second end portion of the bottom handle couples to front bottom seam 320 of the backpack. The front bottom seam of the backpack couples together bottom 68.1 and front 62.1 of backpack 60.1.

As seen in FIG. 52 , inner enclosure 304.1 is made of an insulating material or fabric in this embodiment, in this example in the form of bubble wrap, in this case foil-faced bubble wrap.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein.

Where a component (e.g. a member, apparatus, assembly, device etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Interpretation of Terms

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:

-   -   “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an         inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense;         that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;     -   “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any         connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two         or more elements; the coupling or connection between the         elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;     -   “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when         used to describe this specification, shall refer to this         specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of         this specification;     -   “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of         the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in         the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of         the items in the list;     -   the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning         of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (“a”, “an”, and         “the”) mean one or more unless stated otherwise;     -   “and/or” is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur,         for example A and/or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);     -   “approximately” when applied to a numerical value means the         numerical value±10%;     -   where a feature is described as being “optional” or “optionally”         present or described as being present “in some embodiments” it         is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments         where that feature is present and other embodiments where that         feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where         that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of         features is described in this application this statement is         intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive         terminology such as “solely,” “only” and the like in relation to         the combination of features as well as the use of “negative”         limitation(s)” to exclude the presence of other features; and     -   “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes and         cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative         importance or indicating the number of indicated technical         features.

Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by “about”. In this context, “about” provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value ±5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in “about” a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of “about 10” is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:

-   -   in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;     -   in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5         to 10.5;         and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art         would understand that values within a certain range are         substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range         would be understood to provide substantially the same result as         the value 10 then “about 10” also includes:     -   in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to         D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of         the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a         substantial equivalent to the value 10

Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and/or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and/or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

Additional Description

Examples of bags, and components and accessories thereof, have been described. The following clauses are offered as further description.

-   -   (1) A line connector comprising: a first channel shaped to         receive therethrough a first portion of line; a second channel         shaped to selectively receive a second portion of line         therethrough; and an elongate member extending between and         coupling together the channels, the elongate member including a         gripping end portion extending outwards from the second channel.     -   (2) A line connector comprising: a sleeve; a catch facing the         sleeve; and an elongate member extending between and coupling         together the sleeve and the catch.     -   (3) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the first channel or sleeve is         tubular.     -   (4) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the first channel or sleeve is         circular in profile.     -   (5) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the second channel or catch is         C-shaped in profile.     -   (6) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member tapers in         a direction extending from the first channel or sleeve towards         the second channel or catch.     -   (7) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member is an         isosceles trapezoid in profile.     -   (8) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member is planar.     -   (9) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the channels, or the sleeve         and the catch, are integrally formed with and connected to the         elongate member so as to form a unitary whole.     -   (10) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member has a         first end to which the first channel or sleeve couples, and a         second end spaced-apart from the first end thereof, with the         second channel or catch being positioned between the first end         and the second end of the elongate member.     -   (11) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member extends         tangentially outwards from the first channel or sleeve.     -   (12) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member extends         tangentially outwards from the second channel or catch.     -   (13) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein each said channel has a radius         of curvature and wherein the radius of curvature of the first         channel being substantially equal to the radius of curvature of         the second channel.     -   (14) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein each said channel extends         about a longitudinal axis and wherein the longitudinal axis of         the first channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of         the second channel.     -   (15) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member has a         longitudinal axis which extends perpendicular to the         longitudinal axes of the channels.     -   (16) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member is         pivotable about the first channel or sleeve.     -   (17) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member has a         first or inner surface to which the channels, or the sleeve and         the catch, couple.     -   (18) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the first or inner surface of         the elongate member is outwardly concave.     -   (19) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member has a         second or outer surface facing outwards from the channels, or         the sleeve and the catch.     -   (20) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the second or outer surface of         the elongate member is outwardly convex.     -   (21) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the elongate member is curved         at least in part.     -   (22) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, the first channel or sleeve couples to         the elongate member via a proximal end portion having a first         surface which is outwardly convex and a second surface which is         outwardly concave.     -   (23) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, the second channel or catch couples to         the elongate member via a proximal end portion having a pair of         opposed, outwardly concave surfaces.     -   (24) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the line is resilient.     -   (25) A line connector according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the line comprises resilient         cord.     -   (26) In combination, first and second portions of line and the         connector any preceding clause or clause herein, with a first         portion of line extending through the first channel or sleeve         and a second portion of line extending through the second         channel or catch, whereby the second channel or catch is shaped         such that pivoting the elongate member from a first plane         towards a second plane causes the second portion of line to         selectively dislodge from the second channel or catch.     -   (27) A combination according to any preceding clause or         subsequent clause herein, wherein each of the line portions is         loop-shaped at least in part when coupled to the connector     -   (28) A bag comprising: a plurality of line positioning members         coupled to peripheral portions of the bag; and a resilient line         extending through the plurality of line positioning members and         coupling to the bag thereby.     -   (29) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line positioning members are         positioned adjacent a rear of the bag.     -   (30) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line positioning members position the         line to extend about and enclose the rear of the bag.     -   (31) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein first and second said line positioning         members are positioned adjacent to a first side of the bag and         wherein third and fourth said line positioning members are         positioned adjacent to a second side of the bag.     -   (32) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein a first pair of said line positioning         members are positioned adjacent to a top of the bag and wherein         a second pair of said line positioning members are positioned         adjacent to a bottom of the bag.     -   (33) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein each said line positioning member         comprises an elongate flexible material, with outer ends thereof         coupled to the bag.     -   (34) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, further including a pair of shoulder straps         having a top and bottom, with two said line positioning members         coupling to the bag adjacent to the top of the shoulder straps         and a further two said line positioning members coupling to the         bag adjacent to the bottom of the shoulder straps.     -   (35) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the plurality of line positioning members         align within a plane.     -   (36) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line is outwardly convex at least in         part in regions between pair of said line positioning members.     -   (37) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line includes an upper portion that         is curved between upper said line positioning members and         wherein the line includes a lower portion that is curved between         lower said line positioning members.     -   (38) A bag comprising: a plurality of line positioning members         coupled to a peripheral portion of the bag; a line extending         through the line positioning members and having a first position         in which the line extends about the peripheral portion of the         bag; and a connector slidably coupled to the line and including         a catch, wherein the line is moveable from the first position         thereof to a second position in which a pair of looped portions         thereof extend towards the front of the bag and are selectively         coupled together via the connector.     -   (39) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line positioning members couple to a         back panel along the rear of the bag.     -   (40) A bag according to any preceding clause or clause herein,         wherein the line comprises a resilient inner portion and a         sheath made of high-strength fibers.     -   (41) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line comprises a resilient inner         portion and a sheath made of ultra-high molecular weight         polyethylene fibers.     -   (42) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the line comprises a resilient inner         portion and a sheath made of Spectra™ fibers.     -   (43) A bag according to any preceding clause or clause herein,         further including a carabineer coupled thereto.     -   (44) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, further including a clip or hook coupled thereto.     -   (45) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein gear is selectively secured externally on         the bag by pulling side portions of the line from each side of         the back panel of the bag over the gear and coupling the side         portions of the line together thereafter along the front of the         bag.     -   (46) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, including the connector of any preceding clause         or clause herein.     -   (47) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, including the connector of any preceding clause         or clause herein, wherein the connector is positioned along the         front of the bag and selectively couples together looped         portions of the line extending from opposite sides of the bag.     -   (48) A bag comprising: a flexible suspension member coupled to         opposite sides of the bag so to as to form a haul loop, the bag         being suspendable from a single point via the haul loop, with         the haul loop so positioned being angled relative to the         longitudinal axis of the bag.     -   (49) A bag comprising: a flexible suspension member coupled to         opposite sides of the bag so to as to form a haul loop, the bag         being suspendable from a single point via the haul loop, with         the haul loop so positioned being angled relative to the         longitudinal axis of the bag.     -   (50) A bag comprising: a flexible upper suspension member         coupled to the sides of the bag and extending outwards therefrom         towards the top and front of the bag so as to form a haul loop         when the bag is suspended therefrom.     -   (51) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is made of woven or         braided material.     -   (52) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is made of webbing.     -   (53) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is configured to         haul and anchor the bag to an anchor or rope.     -   (54) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is mounted off         center so that the bag hangs asymmetrically.     -   (55) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is mounted off         center so that a smooth portion of the bag is biased to rub         against an adjacent wall, inhibiting snagging and abrading of         the bag thereby.     -   (56) A bag according to clause 55, or any preceding or         subsequent clause herein, wherein the rear of the bag comprises         said smooth portion.     -   (57) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the suspension member is shaped to fold         over and around the bag so as to be stowed when not in use.     -   (58) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, the flexible upper suspension member is length         adjustable.     -   (59) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein end portions of the flexible upper         suspension member are coupled together via one or more strap         fasteners.     -   (60) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the flexible upper suspension member         includes a first end portion coupled to a first said side of the         bag via a pair of strap fasteners and wherein the flexible upper         suspension member or strap includes a second end portion coupled         to a second said side of the bag via a pair of strap fasteners.     -   (61) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein each said strap fastener has a         longitudinal axis which is angled relative to the longitudinal         axis of the bag.     -   (62) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein each said strap fastener has a         longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of longitudinally         spaced-apart slots via which the flexible upper suspension         member extends inwards and outwards therefrom.     -   (63) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein each said strap fastener has a         longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of longitudinally         spaced-apart slots via which the flexible upper suspension         member interweaves.     -   (64) A bag according to any preceding clause or subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bag is configured such that a front         forward portion thereof aligns generally vertically with a         bottom rear portion thereof when the bag is suspended from the         haul loop.     -   (65) A bag comprising a bottom handle coupled to and extending         along the bottom of the bag.     -   (66) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle comprises an elongate         flexible material.     -   (67) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle comprises webbing.     -   (68) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle as a first end portion         coupled to the front of the bag and a second end portion coupled         to the rear of the bag.     -   (69) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein each said end portion of the bottom         handle is sewn to respective seams of the bag.     -   (70) A bag according to clause 68, or any preceding clause or         any subsequent clause herein, wherein the first end portion of         the bottom handle is sewn to a seam which couples together the         front and the bottom of the bag, and wherein the second end         portion of the bottom handle is sewn to a seam which couples         together the rear and the bottom of the bag.     -   (71) A bag according to clause 68, or any preceding clause or         any subsequent clause herein, wherein the first end portion of         the bottom handle is sewn to a seam which couples together a         left side and the bottom of the bag, and wherein the second end         portion of the bottom handle is sewn to a seam which couples         together a right side and the bottom of the bag.     -   (72) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the first end portion of the bottom         handle is sewn to the bag at a pair of spaced-apart sub-portions         thereof, and wherein the second end portion of the bottom handle         is sewn to the bag at a pair of spaced-apart sub-portions         thereof     -   (73) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle is bar tacked to the         base of the bag.     -   (74) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the first end portion of the bottom         handle is bar tacked at two intervals on a bottom panel of the         bag and wherein the second end portion of the bottom handle is         bar tacked at two intervals on a bottom panel of the bag.     -   (75) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle extends along and         across the bottom of the bag.     -   (76) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle extends laterally from         a first side seam of the bag to a second side seam of the bag.     -   (77) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle has a non-extended         position extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal         axis of the bag.     -   (78) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle has a non-extended         position in which the bottom handle is curved and flush with the         bag, and wherein the bottom handle has an extended position in         which a central portion thereof is spaced-apart from the bottom         of the bag, with the bottom of the bag and the central portion         of the bottom handle forming a bottom loop.     -   (79) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle is shaped to facilitate         hanging of a second said bag therefrom while hauling the bags.     -   (80) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom handle is shaped to promote         rapid removal of objects from within the bag.     -   (81) A bag comprising a sleeve-shaped body with a closed bottom         and a top in the form of an asymmetrical cuff.     -   (82) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein when the cuff is closed, the remaining         opening of the bag is axially off center.     -   (83) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein when the cuff is closed, the remaining         opening of the bag is spaced below and axially off center from         the apex of the bag, inhibiting water from entering into the         remaining opening thereby.     -   (84) A bag having an open position in which the front of the bag         is longer than the rear of the bag and in which the sides of the         bag taper in a direction extending from the rear towards the         front of the bag.     -   (85) A bag having a closed bottom and open top, the bag         comprising: a front portion of material; and a rear portion of         material spaced-apart from and coupled to the front portion of         material, the front portion of material being longer than the         rear portion of material.     -   (86) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the hollow body further includes a pair         of side portions of material extending between the front portion         of material and the rear portion of material.     -   (87) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the side portions of material are         triangular in side profile at an open end portion of the bag         which extends from the top of the bag towards the bottom of the         bag.     -   (88) A bag according to any preceding clause of any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the side portions of material are         outwardly convex in side profile along an upper peripheral         portion of the bag.     -   (89) A bag according to any preceding clause of any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the front portion of material is         outwardly convex in profile along the upper peripheral portion         of the bag.     -   (90) A bag according to any preceding clause of any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the rear portion of material is outwardly         concave in profile along the upper peripheral portion of the         bag.     -   (91) A bag comprising: a hollow body having a closed bottom, an         open top spaced-apart from the closed bottom, and a longitudinal         axis extending through the bottom and the top thereof; and an         open end portion extending from the top towards the bottom of         the hollow body, the open end portion extending about an opening         having a longitudinal axis which is angled relative to the         longitudinal axis of the hollow body.     -   (92) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the opening is oval shaped.     -   (93) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the opening of the bag is asymmetrical,         resulting in an opening with an enlarged diameter which         facilitates packing of content therethrough and into the bag.     -   (94) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, further including a bag closing assembly         comprising a line extending within an upper peripheral portion         of the bag so as to form an open loop with an outer end portion         extending outward therefrom, and a lock mechanism positioned         within the upper peripheral portion of the bag, whereby pulling         on the outer end portion of the line reduces the span of the         open loop, with the bag being closed thereby, and with the         locking mechanism being configured to inhibit expansion of the         size of the open loop thereafter.     -   (95) A bag made from a blank comprising one or more flexible         members, the blank comprising a first portion that is         rectangular in shape and a second portion coupled to the first         portion thereof, the second portion of the blank having a         peripheral edge that is outwardly convex.     -   (96) A bag according to clause 95, or any preceding clause or         any subsequently clause herein, wherein the second portion of         the blank has a first end which couples to the first portion of         the blank and a second end spaced-apart from the first end         thereof, and wherein the second portion of the blank tapers in a         direction extending from the first end thereof towards the         second end thereof.     -   (97) A bag comprising: a cord including a loop-portion extending         within an upper peripheral portion of the bag and an end portion         extending outwards from the bag; and a cord lock positioned         within the upper peripheral portion of the bag and via which the         end portion of the cord extends.     -   (98) A bag comprising: a cord including a loop-portion extending         within an upper peripheral portion of the bag and an end portion         extending outwards from the bag; and a cord lock positioned         within an inside surface of the bag and via which the end         portion of the cord extends.     -   (99) A bag comprising: a cord including a loop-portion extending         within an upper peripheral portion of the bag and an end portion         extending outwards from the bag; and a cord lock positioned         within a webbing of the bag and via which the end portion of the         cord extends.     -   (100) A bag comprising: a cord having a loop-portion and an end         portion coupled to and extending outwards from the loop-portion         thereof; an asymmetrical cuff with an upper peripheral portion         via which the loop-portion of the cord extends; a cord lock         positioned within an inside surface of the cuff and via which         the end portion of the cord extends.     -   (101) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the cord lock is positioned along a front         portion of the bag.     -   (102) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, further including a tab coupled to and extending         outwards from the upper peripheral portion of the bag adjacent         the cord lock.     -   (103) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the tab is a piece of webbing with a         proximal end thereof sewn to the upper peripheral portion of the         bag.     -   (104) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein pulling on the end portion of the cord         causes the span of the loop-portion of the cord to reduce, with         the cord lock inhibiting enlargement of the loop-portion         thereafter until the cord lock is actuated.     -   (105) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the cord lock is at least partially         enclosed within the bag.     -   (106) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bag further includes a flap within         which the cord lock is positioned.     -   (107) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the flap is triangular.     -   (108) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the flap couples to the upper peripheral         portion of the bag and is positioned within a front interior         surface of the bag.     -   (109) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the tab couples to and extends outwards         from the flap.     -   (110) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the cord lock is positioned to be         protected from abrasion when the bag is being hauled.     -   (111) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, further including a grommet coupled to the front         portion of the bag and through which the end portion of the cord         extends.     -   (112) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bag has an open position in which the         loop-portion of the cord is enlarged and a closed position in         which the loop-portion of the cord is shaped to inhibit objects         from passing therethrough     -   (113) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the cord lock is positioned off center         and below the apex of the bag in the closed position of the bag.     -   (114) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the top of the bag extends above and         covers at least in part the loop-portion of the cord when the         bag is in the closed position.     -   (115) An internal cord lock system comprising the cord lock, the         cord and the upper peripheral portion of the bag of any         preceding clause or clause herein.     -   (116) A bag comprising: an outer shell; and an inner enclosure         shaped to fit within and be selectively removable from the outer         shell.     -   (117) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure is shaped to provide         the bag with padding, protecting contents of the bag from shocks         thereby.     -   (118) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure is made of fabric.     -   (119) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure is made of foam.     -   (120) A bag according to any one of clauses 116 to 117, or any         preceding clause or any subsequent clause herein, wherein the         inner enclosure is made of foil-faced bubble wrap.     -   (121) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure is shaped to increase         abrasion resistance of the outer shell by spreading potential         loaded points over a wider area, reducing pressure at a given         said point thereby.     -   (122) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure is molded into shape         and wherein the outer shell extends about the inner enclosure so         molded into shape.     -   (123) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the inner enclosure has a front that is         outwardly convex and a rear that is outwardly concave.     -   (124) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the sides of the inner enclosure are         outwardly convex at least in part.     -   (125) A bag according to any preceding clause or any subsequent         clause herein, wherein the bottom of the inner enclosure is         outwardly convex at least in part.     -   (126) Apparatus including any new and inventive feature,         combination of features, or sub-combination of features as         described herein.     -   (127) Methods including any new and inventive steps, acts,         combination of steps and/or acts or sub-combination of steps         and/or acts as described herein.

It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag comprising: a plurality of line positioning members coupled to peripheral portions of the bag; and a resilient line extending through the plurality of line positioning members and coupling to the bag thereby.
 2. A bag according to claim 1, wherein one or more of: first and second said line positioning members are positioned adjacent to a first side of the bag; third and fourth said line positioning members are positioned adjacent to a second side of the bag; a first pair of said line positioning members are positioned adjacent to a top of the bag; and a second pair of said line positioning members are positioned adjacent to a bottom of the bag.
 3. A bag according to claim 1, wherein each said line positioning member comprises an elongate flexible material, with outer ends thereof coupled to the bag.
 4. A bag according to claim 1, wherein gear is selectively secured externally on the bag by pulling side portions of the line from each side of a back panel of the bag over the gear and coupling the side portions of the line together thereafter along a front of the bag.
 5. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the line has a first position in which one or more of: the line extends about the peripheral portion of the bag; the line is adjacent a rear of the bag; the line is extends about the rear of the bag; and the plurality of line positioning members align within a plane.
 6. A bag according to claim 1, including a line connector positioned along a front of the bag, the line connector selectively coupling together looped portions of the line stretch out from opposite sides of the bag.
 7. A bag according to claim 5, including a sleeve slidably coupled to the line and including a catch coupled to the sleeve, wherein the line is moveable from the first position thereof to a second position, and wherein a pair of looped portions of the line extend towards a front of the bag and are selectively coupled together via the catch in the second position of the line.
 8. A line connector according to claim 6, wherein the line connector includes a first channel, a second channel facing the first channel, and an elongate member extending between and coupling together the channels.
 9. A line connector according to claim 8, wherein the elongate member is pivotable about the first channel.
 10. In combination, first and second portions of line and the connector of claim 8, with a first portion of line extending through the first channel and a second portion of line extending through the second channel, whereby the second channel is shaped such that pivoting the elongate member from a first plane towards a second plane causes the second portion of line to selectively dislodge from the second channel.
 11. A line connector comprising: a sleeve; a catch facing the sleeve; and an elongate member coupling together the sleeve and the catch, with the elongate member including a tab which enables the catch to rotate relative to the sleeve from a latched to an unlatched position.
 12. A line connector according to claim 11, wherein the elongate member extends tangentially outwards from one or more of the sleeve and the catch.
 13. A line connector according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve extends about a longitudinal axis, wherein the catch extends about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and wherein the elongate member has a longitudinal axis which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the sleeve and the catch.
 14. A line connector according to claim 11, wherein one or more of: an inner surface of the elongate member is outwardly concave; and an outer surface of the elongate member is outwardly convex.
 15. A bag comprising one or more of: an internal cord lock system comprising a cord including a loop-portion extending within an upper peripheral portion of the bag and an end portion extending outwards from the bag; and the internal cord lock system including a cord lock positioned within a webbing of the bag and via which the end portion of the cord extends; and a flexible suspension member coupled to opposite sides of the bag so to as to form a haul loop, with the bag being suspendable from a single point via the haul loop, and with the haul loop so positioned being angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the bag.
 16. A bag according to claim 15, wherein pulling on the end portion of the cord causes the span of the loop-portion of the cord to reduce, with the cord lock inhibiting enlargement of the loop-portion thereafter until the cord lock is actuated.
 17. A bag according to claim 15, wherein one or more of: the cord lock is positioned to be protected from abrasion: the cord lock is at least partially enclosed within the bag; and the bag includes a flap within which the cord lock is positioned.
 18. A bag according to claim 15, wherein the cord lock is positioned off center and below an apex of the bag in a closed position of the bag.
 19. A bag according to claim 15, wherein the suspension member is mounted off center so that the bag hangs asymmetrically.
 20. A bag according to claim 15, wherein the bag includes a sleeve-shaped body with a closed bottom and a top in the form of an asymmetrical cuff. 